Affectivity and mental health among elderly religious.

ABSTRACT

Fifty elderly Catholic nuns from the Midwest were interviewed in a descriptive study to obtain information regarding affectivity and mental health. Lawton's Philadelphia Geriatric Center affectivity instrument was used to determine frequency of positive versus negative emotions and 10 dimensions of affectivity. Overall, these subjects reported positive emotional experiences to be more common than negative ones. The nuns were shown to be strongest in the affectivity dimensions of duration of feelings, affective dissimulation, and emotional adaptation. They scored lowest on sensation seeking, variability of feelings, and emotional maturity. The mean scores of these subjects demonstrated statistically stronger emotional experiences than did Lawton's subjects. In response to an open-ended question on definition of health, evidence of a multidimensional perception of health was present among these elderly nuns. This research provides the foundation for further work designing and implementing interventions aimed at promoting optimal mental health among members of cultural minority groups.